Choosing where to trade.
WHAT TO EXAMINE
Regulatory registration, in a jurisdiction that matters Whether customer assets are segregated Proof of reserves, and whether liabilities are included Operating history Withdrawal reliability Insurance, and what it covers
WHY WITHDRAWAL RELIABILITY SPECIFICALLY
Restricted withdrawals have preceded several collapses.
WHAT WARNING SIGNS EXIST
Unusually high returns offered on deposits Difficulty withdrawing Opaque ownership Aggressive referral incentives Registration in jurisdictions with no oversight
WHY DEPOSIT RETURNS ARE A WARNING
Paying returns on deposits means lending customer assets, which is what failed exchanges did.
WHAT TO VERIFY ABOUT ACCESS
What identity documents are required Whether your jurisdiction is supported What withdrawal methods reach your accounts
WHY THAT MATTERS LOCALLY
Access to and from ordinary currency varies, and some routes are restricted.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE DEPOSITING ANYTHING
That you can withdraw, by testing with a small amount.
WHAT TO SECURE
Two-factor authentication, using an application rather than messages A unique password Withdrawal address restrictions, where offered
WHY NOT MESSAGE-BASED CODES
Number redirection attacks target exchange accounts specifically.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Hold significant assets on an exchange indefinitely.
